TENGRISM IN HISTORICAL AND MODERN CONTEXTS

Aiymzhan  RYSKIYEVA; Salikha  LATIPOVA

doi:10.32523/3080-1281-2026-154-1-162-173

Authors

Aiymzhan RYSKIYEVA University of California Author https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8433-729X
Salikha LATIPOVA Egyptian University of Islamic Culture Nur-Mubarak Author https://orcid.org/0009-0007-3256-1944

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32523/3080-1281-2026-154-1-162-173

Keywords:

Tengrism; Tengri; Neo-Tengrism; Turkic culture; faith; Cult of Heaven; Blue sky

Abstract

The article focuses on the history of Tengrism and reviews the definitions and scientific interpretations given to the concept of Tengri and the phenomenon of Tengrism. Tengrism is viewed as a socio-cultural and philosophical-spiritual phenomenon that is experiencing a revival in modern society. Tengrism formed the foundation of the spiritual worldview of the Turkic peoples for a long period of time, influencing their daily lives and spiritual culture. In recent years, interest in this topic has increased significantly, and researchers have begun to examine Tengrism from its historical, philosophical, and cultural aspects. Contemporary scholarly works and studies comprehensively analyze the role of Tengrism in society, its influence on national identity, and spiritual heritage. This study focuses primarily on the context of Kazakhstan, paying particular attention to the manifestations of Tengrism in modern society, including the phenomenon of neo-Tengrism, its revival, and its historical role in the formation of national values. Special attention is also given to the activities of Tengrism communities on social media during the development of a digital society. Furthermore, based on ancient monuments of the Turkic peoples and Chinese chronicles, a comparative analysis is conducted of the similarities and differences between Tengrism and the Cult of Heaven in Chinese civilization.

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Author Biographies

Aiymzhan RYSKIYEVA, University of California

Candidate of Philosophical Sciences, Associate Professor, Visiting Scholar, University of California, Davis, One Shields Avenue, 95616, Davis, USA
Salikha LATIPOVA, Egyptian University of Islamic Culture Nur-Mubarak

PhD student, Egyptian University of Islamic Culture Nur-Mubarak, al-Farabi Аve. 73, 050060, Almaty, Kazakhstan

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